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For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

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Posted on: 07/01/2008

Question

my partner and i are thinking about having sex, but i kind of feel weird. we actually talked about it and both of us want to do it. we decided to wait for the next opportunity. what do you think about this? oh and today i tried applying the condom, but it wasn't really successful. will a condom be enough to have sex? thank you.

Answer

OK, first I am really glad you asked an adult for some information.

Here is your information: Condoms are only effective if they are used correctly - no air bubbles, room in the tip, rolled all the way to the base of the penis, taken off away from your partner's body and used with enough lubrication to avoid friction and breaking. So, if your condom use is "not really successful," it might be better to go with your girlfriend to a local Planned Parenthood and start her on a regular and reliable method of birth control - and do that for one month prior to having sex with a condom.

Finally, here is the unsolicited advice: you are only 14 and the younger you start having sexual intercourse, the more likely you are to get sexually transmitted infections and have your heart broken. Please think about waiting and becoming great friends, first.

Answered By:
Nancy Brown , Ed.S, M.A., Ph.D.

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